Conservative Care Better Than Medicine For Neck Pain
Here’s an interesting study done this year that demonstrated the superiority of spinal manipulation and exercise as compared to medicine for the treatment of acute and subacute neck pain:
http://www.annals.org/content/156/1_Part_1/1.abstract
Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise With Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain
A Randomized Trial
- Gert Bronfort, DC, PhD;
- Roni Evans, DC, MS;
- Alfred V. Anderson, DC, MD;
- Kenneth H. Svendsen, MS;
- Yiscah Bracha, MS; and
- Richard H. Grimm, MD, MPH, PhD
Author Affiliations
Abstract
Background: Mechanical neck pain is a common condition that affects an estimated 70% of persons at some point in their lives. Little research exists to guide the choice of therapy for acute and subacute neck pain.
Objective: To determine the relative efficacy of spinal manipulation therapy (SMT), medication, and home exercise with advice (HEA) for acute and subacute neck pain in both the short and long term.
Design: Randomized, controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number:NCT00029770)
Setting: 1 university research center and 1 pain management clinic in Minnesota.
Participants: 272 persons aged 18 to 65 years who had nonspecific neck pain for 2 to 12 weeks.
Intervention: 12 weeks of SMT, medication, or HEA.
Measurements: The primary outcome was participant-rated pain, measured at 2, 4, 8, 12, 26, and 52 weeks after randomization. Secondary measures were self-reported disability, global improvement, medication use, satisfaction, general health status (Short Form-36 Health Survey physical and mental health scales), and adverse events. Blinded evaluation of neck motion was performed at 4 and 12 weeks.
Results: For pain, SMT had a statistically significant advantage over medication after 8, 12, 26, and 52 weeks (P ≤ 0.010), and HEA was superior to medication at 26 weeks (P = 0.02). No important differences in pain were found between SMT and HEA at any time point. Results for most of the secondary outcomes were similar to those of the primary outcome.
Limitations: Participants and providers could not be blinded. No specific criteria for defining clinically important group differences were prespecified or available from the literature.
Conclusion: For participants with acute and subacute neck pain, SMT was more effective than medication in both the short and long term. However, a few instructional sessions of HEA resulted in similar outcomes at most time points.
Primary Funding Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Healt.
February 8, 2012 1 Comment
Try The Posture Pump For Relief Of Neck Pain

We now have available a special type of cervical (neck) traction, called The Posture Pump. This device provides effective relief and lasting correction for:
- Acute neck pain
- Chronic neck pain
- Headaches
- Disc bulges
- Disc herniations
- Forward head posture
In many cases, the Posture Pump device adds a needed complement to your in-office care. A thorough evaluation will provide the necessary information to determine if the Posture Pump is right for you. If you are interested in this device or have any questions about it, just ask. You can learn more on the Posture Pump web site by clicking here.
The Posture Pump is safe, easy to use, and is covered by most insurance carriers. It may be the missing piece of the puzzle to your optimal recovery.
February 13, 2010 5 Comments
Natural Care for Auto Injury

The natural care we provide for auto injuries feels great and is very effective. We get quick results that last. Instead of just covering up your pain with mind-numbing medications, we focus on the injured areas and provide a variety of natural therapies to speed up your recovery.
We have been able to help people like you suffering from auto injuries such as:
- Whiplash (cervical acceleration deceleration trauma)
- Headaches
- Back Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Arm, Elbow, or Wrist Pains
- Hip, Knee, Leg, or Foot Pains
- Muscular Spasms
- Joint Stiffness and Inflammation
Regardless if your condition, I’d like to remind you that our practice mission is: To Promote Superior Health Through Natural Therapy. We accomplish this through a holistic approach and integrative care – combining chiropractic, massage, exercise, nutritional counseling, and laser therapy techniques.
If you are seeking help for auto related injuries, we promise to do our best to first clearly diagnose your problem and correct it. On your initial visit we will carefully discuss the details of the accident and the nature of your injuries. We will then perform a careful and detailed examination.
At this point, if we feel that we can help you, we will develop a reasonable treatment plan and begin a course of treatment. Your treatment plan will vary based on your condition prior to the injury, and on the severity of your injury.
We typically recommend the combination of chiropractic care, massage therapy, and other natural therapies because they work the best to reduce pain quickly and will allow your body to heal more perfectly. Natural healing provides lasting healing.
However, if after the examination or at any time during the course of treatment, we discover something beyond the scope of our practice, we will not hesitate to contact your other health care providers to discuss your possible referral to another health care professional.
We believe that the human body is a masterpiece and that your health is among your most valuable possessions. It’s our passion to share the amazing power of natural therapies with people like you, to help you feel great and be your best!
At this point in time, all of the services we recommend will be fully covered by your auto insurance. Many people express concern that your auto insurance rates will increase if you use the medical benefits on your policy. Don’t be concerned about that because I believe it’s illegal for any auto insurance company to raise your rates for using the medical benefits on your policy.
March 24, 2009 No Comments
Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash has numerous possible causes including motor vehicle accidents, roller coaster rides, sports injuries, and slips and falls. Car accidents are the most common cause, as there are many thousands of motor vehicle accidents in the United States every year – resulting in injuries and death.
Injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents range from mild to severe. The most common type of spinal injury is whiplash. This occurs when the head and cervical spine (the neck) is accelerated and then suddenly decelerated. Most whiplash injuries occur when you are sitting relaxed in your stationary car and you are unexpectedly rear-ended.
The time immediately after the accident is of critical importance. If severely injured, hopefully EMTs will arrive on the scene quickly and you will get the care you need. We have some of the best medical professionals in the world. What you do about your injuries in the next hours, days and weeks can forever affect your health.
If you’re involved in an accident, try not to be misled if the damage to your vehicle is minimal. Your body reacts very differently than metal, glass and plastic! Upon a rear-end impact, your body presses deeply into your seat. Your head moves with your body backwards until they reach the limits of your seat. Then, your body quickly changes directions and moves forward to the limit of your seat belt. Next, your head starts moving backward in the opposite direction. Because your head is unrestrained by your seat belt, your head is jerked backward and forward beyond its normal limits.
You can reduce the severity of a whiplash injury by wearing your seat belt properly, and making sure your headrest is adjusted to prevent your head from snapping over the seat.
Try not to minimize your injuries. Just as a car can have internal damage beyond the scraped pain on your bumper, your body can have deep injuries to your delicate spinal structures. Pain and stiffness of motion of varying severity will result from whiplash injuries. Often headaches appear, but can begin a week or more after the accident. These injuries can’t be healed by pain pills, muscle relaxers, or cervical collars. At this point, an immediate chiropractic examination is essential.
In my interview with a patient, I will conduct a thorough case history and detailed examination. I will review any imaging films or reports done at the emergency room or from other physicians. If I determine that it is safe to receive care at our office, I will make recommendations for your optimal recovery. In many cases, treatment can begin immediately.
In our office we have found that the integration of chiropractic care and massage therapy to be extremely effective in proper healing. Chiropractic adjustments of the spine and extremities helps restore proper position and motion of joints. Massage therapy targets the injured muscles and helps reduce pain, tension, and spasm, and promotes relaxation. You may also benefit from adjunctive therapies we can perform such as laser therapy, electrical stimulation, mechanical traction, therapeutic taping, or therapeutic stretching. We may prescribe a TENS unit (a small portable electrical stimulation device) or a series of home-based therapeutic exercises.
Since starting my practice in 1992, I’ve had the honor of helping hundreds of clients with a variety of neck injuries including whiplash. I’m very pleased with our integrated approach to patient care at Spectrum Wellness. Our care is top-notch and personal. Our goal is to help you to achieve superior health… and we will do everything in our power to help you get well and stay well after the trauma of a whiplash injury.
September 28, 2008 1 Comment

